Before you can begin working as a legitimate electrician, you'll most likely need to get a license or certification from your state. Most states require electricians to be licensed, but every state has its own set of requirements to get that license. Check out our guide to the requirements for getting an electrician license by state.
Why Electrician Insurance Is Important
Before getting your electrician license, it's essential to first get yourself covered with the right insurance. Some of the most common policies included in electrician insurance are:
- General liability insurance: Protects you from the cost of lawsuits filed against you by third parties for claims of bodily injury or property damage.
- Commercial auto insurance: Protects you against losses related to your company vehicles from lawsuits, theft, and other disasters.
- Contractors professional liability insurance: Protects you from the cost of lawsuits and other expenses stemming from professional errors that may have caused harm to others, resulting in a lawsuit.
- Commercial property insurance: Protects you from losses due to theft, damage, or destruction of your business's office space and inventory from many disasters, including fire.
- Workers' compensation insurance: Protects your employees from the cost of work-related injury, illness, or death caused by their job activities or work environment.
You might also need separate coverage for your tools and equipment. An independent insurance agent can help you get equipped with all the electrician insurance you need to start working.
Electrician Licensing Requirements by State
Alabama
To get licensed in Alabama, you'll need to choose one of these:
- Electrical contractor license: To get one of these licenses, you'll have to show proof of 8,000 hours of related experience or equivalent. You'll also have to secure a supervisor or manager position in industrial, commercial, and residential electrical work.
- Journeyman electrician license: To get one of these licenses, you'll also have to show proof of 8,000 hours of related work, and complete more than 1,000 hours and one year of an apprenticeship program.
Both of these licenses require you to pass an exam. Licenses are awarded by the Electrical Contractors Board of Alabama.
Alaska
To get licensed in Alaska, you'll need to choose from the following:
- Electrical administrators license: These licenses are for several categories of work, including unlimited outdoor work, control wiring, communications, etc. You'll have to show proof of at least four years of work experience and pass an exam.
- Residential electrician license: These licenses require you to show proof of at least 4,000 hours of work experience and pass an exam. This type of license lets you complete journeyman work on residential projects.
- Journeyman electrician license: These licenses require you to show proof of at least 8,000 hours of work experience and pass an exam.
- Journeyman power lineman license: These licenses also require you to show proof of at least 8,000 hours of work experience and pass an exam.
- Residential wireman license: These licenses require you to show proof of at least 4,000 hours of work experience and pass an exam.
You'll obtain your license of choice from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workplace Development.
Arizona
To get licensed in Arizona, you'll need to find your appropriate classification:
- Specialty residential contracting (Electrical C-11): This type of license lets you install wiring that uses less than 600 volts of power.
- Specialty residential contracting (Electrical R-11): This type of license lets you repair and install electrical systems in residential properties.
- Specialty dual license contracting (Electrical CR-11): This type of license is designed for residential and commercial work together.
Each license in Arizona requires you to pass an exam and provide proof of at least four years of related work experience. Licenses are awarded by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Arkansas
To get licensed in Arkansas, you'll need to choose from the following types and complete the associated requirements:
- Journeyman electrician: This license requires you to provide proof of completion of a four-year apprenticeship or at least 16,000 hours of construction electrician work.
- Master electrician: This type of license requires you to have a degree in electrical engineering as well as two years of relevant work experience. As an alternative, you can provide proof of two years experience working with a licensed journeyman electrician along with six years worth of experience in construction work.
- Residential master electrician: This type of license requires you to show proof of at least two years of work experience in wiring one to two-family residences or two years of education and training as an alternative.
- Residential journeyman electrician: This type of license requires you to show proof of at least two years of work experience in wiring one and two-family homes or a two-year combination of education and training.
- Electrical contractor: This type of license requires you to have five years of experience under your master electrician license, pass a Business and Law Exam, and provide a financial review and references.
Each of these licenses requires you to pass an exam. Licenses in Arkansas are awarded by the State Department of Labor.
California
To get a license in California, you'll need to:
- Pass a trade exam
- Pass a business or law exam
- Provide proof of four years of related work experience
- Bid for a project valued at $500 or greater
California requires all electricians to have a C-10 Electrical Contractor license from the Contractor State License Board of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Colorado
To get licensed in Colorado, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Journeyman electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of 8,000 hours of related work experience in the last four years. You'll also need to provide proof of 4,000 hours of commercial and industrial work within the last two years.
- Master electrician: This type of license requires you to show proof of 2,000 hours or more of work experience in layout, supervising, or planning installation from within the last year.
- Residential wireman: This type of license requires you to show proof of 4,000 hours of work experience within the last two years in either construction, heat, wiring, or power.
- Electrical contractor: This type of license requires you to hold a master electrician license, be registered with the state, and have workers' comp insurance.
Each of these licenses also requires you to pass an exam. Licenses are awarded by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Electric Board.
Connecticut
To get licensed in Connecticut, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Journeyperson: This type of license requires you to provide proof of a completed approved apprenticeship or at least 8,000 hours of work experience and related education, and pass a trade exam.
- Contractor: This type of license requires you to provide proof of your journeyperson license as well as two years of related work experience, and pass a business and law exam.
Licenses are awarded by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
Delaware
To get licensed in Delaware, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Limited: This type of license requires you to have 4,000 hours of experience and 288 hours of related instruction or three years of work experience while supervised by a licensed master electrician or authorized master special electrician.
- Limited special: This type of license requires you to provide proof of three years of related work experience while directed by a master electrician special or a master electrician or have 4,000 hours of experience and 288 hours of related instruction. Limited special licenses let you work with HVAC systems and pools.
- Journeyperson: This type of license requires you to provide proof of a completed apprenticeship or have over 8,000 hours of full-time experience and 288 hours of related instruction. A journeyperson license allows you to complete electrical work while supervised.
- Master electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of at least six years of related work experience while supervised by a licensed master electrician, four years of full-time experiene while supervised by a licensed master electrician and two years of technical training experiece, or 8,000 hours of full-time experience and 576 hours of related instruction or apprenticeship training.
- Master special: This type of license requires you to provide proof of six years of work experience in a related area authorized by a licensed master electrician or master special electrician or 8,000 hours of full-time experience and 576 hours of related instruction. This license lets you complete work on pools, refrigeration systems, HVAC systems, or primary distribution systems.
- Residential: This type of license requires you to show proof of 4,000 hours of experience.
Each of these licenses also requires you to pass an exam and provide proof of insurance. Licenses are awarded by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
Florida
Florida issues electrician licenses at a local level, not a state level, so you'll need to check your area's specific requirements. In areas where a license is required, you'll need to:
- Pass an exam
- Show proof of at least four years of experience
- Show proof of business insurance
Licenses are awarded by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Georgia
To get licensed in Georgia, you'll need to:
- Provide proof of four years work experience under a licensed contractor
- Pass an exam
- Pass a trade exam
Licenses are awarded by the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors.
Hawaii
To get licensed in Hawaii, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Maintenance electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of 80 hours of an approved educational program and one year of work experience, or proof of a two-year degree with more than 1,000 hours of practical lab work experience.
- Journey worker electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of five years of work experience and at least 10,000 hours of experience specifically in residential or commercial wiring, as well as 240 hours of educational training.
- Journey worker specialty electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of three years of work experience that totals at least 6,000 hours, as well as complete 120 hours of approved educational courses.
- Journey worker industrial electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of four years of related work experience in the electrical industry, totaling at least 8,000 hours, as well as completion of a 200-hour educational course.
- Supervising electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of four years of related work experience.
- Supervising industrial electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of three years of related work experience.
- Supervising specialty electrician: This type of license requires you to provide proof of two years of related work experience.
Each of these licenses also requires you to pass an exam. Licenses are awarded by the state's Department of Professional and Vocational Licensing.
Idaho
To get licensed in Idaho, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Electrical contractor: Requires you to show proof of a master electrician license or journeyman license and proof of insurance.
- Master electrician: Requires you to obtain a journeyman license for at least four years.
- Journeyman electrician: Requires you to complete a four-year apprenticeship and provide proof of 8,000 hours or more of supervised work experience in a related field. Without an apprenticeship, you must provide proof of 16,000 hours of related supervised work experience.
- Limited electrical contractor: Requires you to be or employ a licensed limited electrical contractor in your same specialty category of trade.
- Limited electrical installer: Requires you to provide proof of at least 4,000 hours of related work experience.
Each of these licenses requires you to pass an exam and provide proof of insurance. Licenses are awarded by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
Illinois
Illinois does not have state electrician licensing requirements, but it does have local municipality requirements.
Indiana
Indiana does not have state electrician licensing requirements, but it does have local municipality requirements.
Iowa
To get licensed in Iowa, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Electrical contractor or residential electrical contractor: Requires you to register with the state and hold a Class A or B master electrician license, as well as provide proof of insurance. This license allows you to run a business and hire electricians as a local contractor.
- Residential electrician and residential master electrician: Requires you to have a special residential electrician license or journeyman license.
- Master electrician: Requires you to be a licensed journeyman electrician for a year or more. You can choose between Class A and Class B licenses.
- Class A Journeyman license: Requires you to complete an apprenticeship or receive training as established by the board.
- Class B Journeyman license: Requires you to have been employed as a journeyman electrician for at least 16,000 in order to be exempt from the exam.
Most of these licenses also require you to pass an exam and provide proof of insurance. Licenses are awarded by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshall Division.
Kansas
Kansas does not have state electrician license requirements, but it does have local municipality requirements.
Kentucky
To get licensed in Kentucky, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Electrician: Requires you to provide notarized proof of six years of work experience or four years of work experience and 576 hours of classroom training and pass an exam.
- Master electrician: Requires you to provide proof of eight years of work experience or six years of work experience and 576 hours of classroom training and pass an exam.
- Electrical contractor: Requires you to hold a master electrician license, show proof of business insurance, and pass an exam.
Licenses are awarded by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.
Louisiana
Louisiana does not have state electrician licensing requirements. However, for electricians who perform commercial work worth more than $10,000, a commercial contractor license is required.
You must also pass a trade exam and a business and law exam, and provide proof of at least $10,000 in net worth. These licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
Maine
To get licensed in Maine, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Master electrician: Requires you to provide proof of 4,000 hours of related work experience as well as an approved 576-hour education course. Alternatively, you can pass an exam and show proof of 12,000 hours in electrical installations work.
- Journeyman electrician: Requires you to provide proof of 8,000 hours of related work experience, 576 hours of classroom study, and pass an exam.
- Apprentice electrician: Requires you to enroll in a four to five-year work and education program while supervised by a limited electrician, master electrician, or journeyman.
- Helper electrician: Requires you to have started an electrical program or have started working.
- Limited electrician: Requires you to have completed at least 576 hours of approved electrical study and pass an exam.
Licenses are awarded by Maine's Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Maryland
To get licensed as a Master Electrician in Maryland, you'll need to:
- Provide proof of at least seven years of related work experience while supervised by a qualified government worker or master electrician.
- Educational courses and an exam can be substituted for up to three years of work experience.
Licenses also require you to pass an exam and are awarded by the Maryland Board of Master Electricians.
Massachusetts
To get licensed in Massachusetts, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Master electrician: Provide proof of completion of a 150-hour study course and spend a year as a licensed journeyman.
- Journeyman electrician: Provide proof of a high school diploma as well as 600 hours of journeyman courses and four years of related work experience totaling over 8,000 hours.
Both licenses will also require you to pass an exam. Licenses are awarded by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians.
Michigan
To get licensed in Michigan, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Master electrician: Requires you to provide proof of 12,000 hours of related work experience, be at least 22 years old, and have at least six years of experience under the supervision of a master electrician.
- Journeyman electrician: Requires you to provide proof of at least 8,000 hours of related work experience, with four years under the supervision of a licensed electrician, and be at least 20 years old.
- Electrical contractor: Requires you to hold a master electrician license and provide proof of at least one year of experience as a master electrician.
These licenses also require you to pass an exam. Licenses are awarded by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Minnesota
To get licensed in Minnesota, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Maintenance electrician: Complete 48 months of related work experience.
- Class A master electrician: Complete 60 months of work experience and provide proof of experience in several categories.
- Class A journeyman: Complete 48 months of related work experience and provide proof of experience in several categories.
Each license also requires you to pass an exam, and all are awarded by Minnesota's Department of Labor and Industry.
Mississippi
To get licensed in Mississippi, you'll need to:
- Choose from electrician or journeyman licenses
- Pass an exam
Licenses are only required in Mississippi if you complete commercial work valued at $50,000 or greater, or residential work valued at $10,000 or greater. Licenses are awarded at a municipal level only by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
Missouri
Missouri does not have state electrician license requirements, but it does have local municipality requirements.
Montana
To get licensed in Montana, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Journeyman electrician: Provide proof of a completed residential apprenticeship or substitute the program for 8,000 hours of work experience and complete 20,000 hours total of work experience in an electrical maintenance field.
- Master electrician: Get an engineering graduate degree and show proof of 2,000 hours of related work experience or 8,000 hours of journeyman work experience with 20%-50% completed in the residential field.
- Residential electrician: Show proof of completion of an apprenticeship, proof of 4,000 hours of practical experience, or proof of 20,000 hours of work experience in an electrical maintenance field.
- Electrical contractor: Be a licensed journeyman to receive a limited license, or be a licensed master or employ a master for all electrical work to receive an unlimited license.
These licenses also require you to pass an exam and show proof of insurance and are awarded by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, State Electrical Board.
Nebraska
To get licensed in Nebraska, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Electrical contractor: You'll need to have a four-year degree and one year of related work experience or at least five years of experience in planning, installing, or supervising electrical work, and pass an exam.
- Apprenticeship electrician: You'll need to register with the state board.
- Journeyman electrician: You'll need to show proof of at least four years of relevant work experience or a two-year post-high school course and one year of relevant work experience, and pass an exam.
You'll obtain your license from the Nebraska Electrical Division.
Nevada
To get licensed in Nevada, you'll need to:
- Show proof of at least four years of work experience in the last 15 years as a master electrician or a journeyman
- Pass a business and law exam
- Pass a trade exam
Nevada awards its state electrical contracting licenses, AKA C-2 classification, from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Local municipalities award journeyman licenses.
New Hampshire
To get licensed in New Hampshire, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Master electrician: You'll need to show 2,000 hours of work experience as a journeyman and pass two exams.
- Journeyman electrician: You'll need to show 8,000 hours of work experience and 600 hours of related education courses and pass an exam. Alternatively, you can show proof of 10 years of work experience as a master electrician or licensed journeyman in a different state.
You'll obtain your license from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Electrician’s Board.
New Jersey
To get licensed in New Jersey, you'll need to:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass an exam
- Show proof of one year of work experience as a journeyman or a completed four-year apprenticeship, or a hold a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and provide proof of two years' work experience
You'll get your New Jersey electrician license from the state's Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs, Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
New Mexico
To get licensed in New Mexico, you'll need to:
- Journeyman electrical: Show proof of 8,000 hours of work experience, pass an exam, and select the type of journeyman license that works best for you.
- Electrical contractor: Show proof of financial responsibility, pass a business and law exam and an electrical inspector exam, and provide your current New Mexico tax ID number.
You'll obtain your license from the Regulation and Licensing Department of New Mexico.
New York
New York does not have state electrician licensing requirements, but it does have local municipality requirements.
North Carolina
To get licensed in North Carolina, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Unlimited classification: You'll need to show proof of five years of work experience and two statements that vouch for your experience.
- Intermediate classification: You'll need to show proof of six years of work experience and not have any voltage limitations.
- Limited classification: You'll need to show proof of four years of work experience and not plan to work with any systems of 600 volts or more.
You'll obtain your North Carolina electrician license from the State Board of Examination of Electrical Contractors.
North Dakota
To get licensed in North Dakota, choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Master electrician: You'll need to show proof of 2,000 hours of work experience as a licensed journeyman while supervised by a contracting master electrician.
- Journey electrician: You'll need to show proof of 8,000 hours of work experience as an apprentice to a contracting master or substitute 2,000 of these hours with a two-year degree from an electrical training program.
- Class B electrician: You'll need to show proof of 3,000 hours of work experience while supervised by a Class B or master electrician, or substitute 1,000 of these hours with a two-year degree from a relevant program.
You'll obtain your North Dakota electrician license from the ND State Electrical Board.
Ohio
To get licensed in Ohio, you'll need to:
- Show proof of five years of work experience as an electrician
- Show proof of three years of business experience in the construction field
- Pass an exam
- Show proof of insurance
You'll obtain your license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Oklahoma
To get licensed in Oklahoma, choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Limited electrical contractor: Obtain a degree in electrical engineering and show proof of 8,000 hours of work experience, or show 16,000 hours of work experience. You'll also need to pass an exam.
- Unlimited electrical contractor: Show proof of 12,000 of work experience; 4,000 of which must be as a licensed unlimited journeyman and 6,000 must be in commercial industrial work as an employee of a licensed electrical contractor. Alternatively, you can substitute 2,000 of these hours for relevant education experience. You'll also need to pass an exam.
- Residential electrical contractor: Show proof of 8,000 hours of work experience; 4,000 of which must be as a residential or unlimited journeyman while supervised by a licensed contractor. Additionally, you'll need 4,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice or 3,000 hours as a registered apprentice and 1,000 hours of qualifying education. You'll also need to pass an exam.
- Unlimited electrical journeyman: Show proof of 8,000 hours of work experience while supervised by a licensed contractor or journeyman; 4,000 of which must be in commercial or industrial work, or substitute 2,000 of these hours with relevant education experience. You'll also need to pass an exam.
- Residential electrical journeyman: Show proof of 4,000 hours of work experience while supervised by a licensed journeyman or contractor, or substitute 1,000 of these hours with related education. You'll also need to pass an exam.
- Electrical apprentice: A license is not required, but you must register with the state.
You'll obtain your license from Oklahoma's Construction Industries Board.
Oregon
To get licensed in Oregon, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- General journeyman electrician: Requires 576 hours of classroom training and a state apprenticeship as well as 8,000 hours of work experience; 1,000 of which need to be in each of the following categories: commercial, industrial, and residential. You'll also need to pass an exam.
- General supervising electrician: Requires 8,000 hours of work experience as a journeyman and a state journeyman license. You'll also need to pass an exam.
- Limited electrician license: You'll need to choose one of the following options that works best for you and complete the associated requirements.
- Limited building maintenance electrician
- Limited maintenance electrician
- Limited residential electrician
- Limited supervising electrician
- Limited journeyman manufacturing plant electrician
- Limited energy technician
- Limited renewable energy technician
- Limited journeyman sign electrician
- Limited journeyman stage electrician
You'll obtain your Oregon electrician license from the state's Department of Consumer and Business Services, Building Codes Division.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have state electrician licensing requirements, but it does have local municipality requirements.
Rhode Island
To get licensed in Rhode Island, choose between the following and complete the requirements:
- Electrical contractor: Show six years of work experience and hold a journeyman license for at least two years, and pass an exam.
- Electrician journeyman: Show four years of work experience as well as 576 hours of state-approved training, and pass an exam.
You'll obtain your Rhode Island electrician license from the state's Department of Labor and Training, Professional Regulations Unit, and Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety.
South Carolina
To get licensed in South Carolina, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Journeyman electrician: Requires you to submit proof of two years of experience or complete a two-year degree to be substituted as one year of work experience. You'll also need to pass an exam.
- Master electrician: Requires you to show proof of four years of journeyman experience or proof of 10 years of experience in the trade.
- Electrical contractor: Requires you to show proof of two years of work experience in the last five years, submit financial information, and pass a business and law exam and a technical exam.
Trade certifications are awarded by the Municipal Association of South Carolina, and licenses are awarded by South Carolina's Contractor's Licensing Board.
South Dakota
To get licensed in South Dakota, choose between the following and complete the requirements:
- Journeyman electrician: Show proof of four years or 8,000 hours of work experience as an apprentice to an electrical contractor and pass an exam.
- Electrical contractor: Show proof of 4,000 hours of work experience, with at least 2,000 of these being in commercial work, and pass an exam.
You'll obtain your license from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Electrical Commission.
Tennessee
To get licensed in Tennessee, you'll need to choose between the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Contractor-electrical license: Requires you to show proof of at least three years of work experience, pass a business and law exam, and pass a trade exam. Proof of insurance is also required. These licenses are required for work valued at $25,000 or greater.
- Limited license electrician: These licenses are required for work valued at less than $25,000 and your municipality has no local licensing agency.
You'll obtain your license from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board of Licensing Contractors.
Texas
To get licensed in Texas, choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Master electrician: Have a journeyman electrician license for at least two years and 12,000 hours of job training while supervised by a master electrician, and pass an exam.
- Journeyman electrician: Show proof of 8,000 hours of training while supervised by a master electrician, and pass an exam.
- Apprentice electrician: No exam or work experience is required.
You'll obtain your license from Texas's Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Utah
To get licensed in Utah, choose from the following and complete the requirements:
- Master electrician: Have at least 8,000 hours of licensed journeyman electrician work experience or have graduated from an electrical trade school with an AAS degree and have 4,000 hours of work experience. Alternatively, you can hold a BS or MS degree in electrical engineering and have 2,000 hours of licensed experience.
- Journeyman electrician: Complete an apprenticeship for four years and have at least 8,000 hours of training, or show proof of 16,000 hours of work experience for the past eight years.
- Residential master electrician: Hold a license as a residential journeyman electrician and have proof of 4,000 hours of work experience from the past two years.
- Residential journeyman electrician: Complete a two-year apprenticeship and 4,000 hours of related work experience, or as an alternative, show proof of 2,000 hours of licensed experience and hold a BS or MS degree in electrical engineering.
You'll obtain your electrician license from Utah's Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Vermont
To get licensed in Vermont, you'll need to choose from the following and complete the requirements:
- Journeyman electrician: Complete a military program or trade school program and accumulate 8,000 hours of work experience under a licensed electrician. Alternatively, you can provide proof of 12,000 hours of relevant work experience or have 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 classroom training hours from a Vermont apprenticeship.
- Master electrician: Hold an electrical journeyman license for two years or more, or provide proof of at least 16,000 hours of relevant work experience.
- Electrical specialist: Complete a trade school program and accumulate 2,000 of experience or provide proof of 4,000 hours of work experience under a licensed electrician.
Each type of license also requires you to pass an exam. You'll obtain your Vermont electrician license from the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety.
Virginia
To get licensed in Virginia, choose from the following and complete the requirements:
- Master electrician: Show proof of one year of work experience while holding a journeyman license or 10 years of related experience.
- Journeyman electrician: Show proof of four years of trade experience and 240 hours of formal training, or five years of trade experience and 160 hours of formal training, or six years of trade experience and 80 hours of formal training, or seven years of trade experience and 40 hours of formal training. Alternatively, if you have an associate's degree in electrical technology and two years of trade experience, you don't have to complete an apprenticeship.
Each license also requires you to pass an exam. You'll obtain your Virginia electrician license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Washington
To get licensed in Washington, choose from the following and complete the requirements:
- Specialty residential electrician: Provide proof of 4,000 hours of work experience while supervised by a licensed electrician, complete 48 hours of classroom training, and pass an exam.
- General journey-level electrician: Provide proof of 8,000 hours of work experience while supervised by a certified electrician; 4,000 of which must be in commercial or industrial installation, complete 96 hours of classroom training, and pass an exam.
- Master electrician: Provide proof of four years of licensed journeyman work experience and pass an exam.
- Electrical contractor: Be a certified electrical administrator or master electrician with a valid Unified Business Identifier number, have a surety bond, and workers' compensation insurance for any employees.
You'll obtain your electrician license from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
West Virginia
To get licensed in West Virginia, you'll choose from the following and complete the requirements:
- Journeyman electrician: Complete an apprenticeship or an approved 1,080-hour vocational program, or provide proof of 2,000 hours of work experience and pass an exam.
- Specialty electrician: Show proof of at least 2,000 hours of work experience or substitute one year of experience with relevant education, and pass an exam.
- Master electrician: Show proof of at least 4,000 hours of work experience, which must include industrial, residential, and commercial trades, and pass an exam.
You'll obtain your electrician license from the West Virginia Fire Commission.
Wisconsin
To get licensed in Wisconsin, choose from the following and complete the requirements:
- Master electrician: Show proof of one year of work experience as a licensed journeyman or 10,000 hours of relevant work experience. Work experience can be substituted with relevant education. Alternatively, you can hold a Bachelor's degree or master's degree in electrical engineering.
- Journeyman electrician: Complete an apprenticeship program, or have at least four years of work experience with 48 months of this in electrical wiring installation, repair, and maintenance, or complete a two-year degree and have proof of three years of experience.
- Residential master electrician: Show proof of at least 5,000 hours and five years of electrical wiring experience. Five hundred hours of experience can be substituted for each semester of an electrical-related full-time education program for up to a maximum of 3,000 hours and three years of experience.
- Electrical contractor: This type of license does not require experience, but you must provide proof of unemployment insurance and workers' comp insurance.
Each type of license also requires you to pass an exam. You'll obtain your electrician license from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Wyoming
To get licensed in Wyoming, choose from the following and complete the associated requirements:
- Master electrician: Show proof of 16,000 hours of work experience or eight years of work experience; 8,000 hours of which must be as a licensed journeyman, complete 576 hours of classroom training, and pass an exam.
- Journeyman electrician: Show proof of 8,000 hours of work experience with 144 hours per year, or substitute an apprenticeship with 576 hours of classroom instruction. You must not accumulate more than 75% of these hours in a single category. You can also substitute up to 2,000 education hours (in addition to the required 576 hours) for work experience.
You'll obtain your Wyoming electrician license from the state's Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety.
Note: This information is not intended to replace legal advice. You must consult your local agencies' requirements before seeking the proper licensing, insurance, and other requirements to start commercial work. Be aware that your state's regulations may change at any time.
Final word on state electrician license requirements
Even if your state doesn't require you to have a license to perform electrician work, there may still be local licensing requirements. Before agreeing to take on any related projects, it's crucial to check in with any local requirements for this type of work. Also, be sure to keep updated on your state's electrician license requirements, as they may change from year to year.
An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Get Electrician Insurance
Before you're licensed and ready to go, you'll likely need to get set up with the right electrician insurance. A local independent insurance agent can help you find all the coverage you need for every type of project. And down the road, your agent can help you file insurance claims or update your coverage as necessary.
Sources
https://www.nextinsurance.com/blog/electrician-licensing-requirements/
https://www.mikeholt.com/statelicense.php
